5-Day Main Salmon Packing List
Action Whitewater Adventures • Recommended Personal Gear Guidelines
IMPORTANT PACKING NOTE & WEATHER ADVISORY: We always hope for ideal weather, but you must be prepared for cold weather on ALL trips throughout the season. Because we are in the mountains, sudden rainstorms or cold fronts can occur even in July or August. If you have specific questions, please call our office at 1-800-453-1482.
*COTTON POLICY: Cotton is a poor insulator and does not dry quickly on the river. It is fine for evening wear at camp, but strictly avoided on the river. Experience shows people tend to overpack—most guests are comfortable with one change of clothes, while others prefer a couple. Prepare for cold conditions without overpacking!
- Soft Gym Bag or Duffel Bag: Used to hold your personal items. This bag will go inside the waterproof dry bag (33″ high x 16″ round) provided by AWA. Your freshly laundered sleeping bag will also be placed inside this dry bag.
- Fleece Shirt and/or Jacket: Essential for layer insulation during cooler mornings and mountain weather.
- Long Pants: Lightweight, fast-drying pants designed for wear on the river (avoid cotton).
- Synthetic Underwear (Top & Bottom): Polypropylene or other quick-drying synthetic fabric (no cotton).
- River Footwear & Socks: Wetsuit booties or neoprene/wool socks paired with sandals. (Available at most sporting goods or diving stores). Wetsuit booties are ideal for May, June, and September trips; river shoes and sandals work great for July and August.
- Two-Piece Rain Suit: A dedicated rain jacket and pants with wrist and ankle closures. Ponchos do NOT work on the river. These are essential for paddle boats and high-water trips.
- River Shorts: Quick-drying synthetic material (no cotton).
- Shirts: Synthetic shirts, including at least a couple of long-sleeved shirts for sun protection and warmth (no cotton).
- Swimsuit: A two-piece swimsuit or sports bra with nylon shorts works best for women.
- Headwear: Sun hat with a tie string or chin strap, and/or a bandanna.
- Gloves: Helpful if your hands are tender or subject to sunburn.
- Biodegradable Soap & Shampoo: River-safe soap products.
- Personal Hygiene & Toiletries: Compact towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit (optional), and feminine hygiene supplies.
- Tissue Packs: Small package of Kleenex.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Essential for nighttime camp navigation.
- Fanny Pack: Handy for keeping small daily items secure.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Nalgene, Contigo, Hydro Flask, or YETI style bottle.
- Personal Medications: Bring necessary medications (cool storage is available—please notify AWA in advance).
- EPI-PEN: MANDATORY if you are allergic to bee or yellow jacket stings (bees and yellow jackets are present in the canyon).
- Eyewear: Extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts, plus 2 pairs of sunglasses with safety straps.
- Sun & Lip Protection: Waterproof sunscreen, ChapStick/lip balm with sunblock, and hand lotion.
- Insect Repellent: Small can of repellent. While irritating insects like mosquitoes are rare on the Main Salmon, having repellent on hand is always recommended.
- Travel Pillow: Compact pillow for sleeping comfort in camp.
- Heavy-Duty Plastic Garbage Bags: Used for storing wet or dirty clothing to prevent "river marinade" smells. They can also double as an emergency waterproof bag cover.
- Cash: Recommended for staff gratuities, souvenir purchases, and snacks at select stops during and after the trip.
- Camera Gear: Waterproof disposable camera, waterproof point-and-shoot camera, or hard/soft waterproof cases, plus extra SD cards and batteries.
